Scholarships are an important part of postsecondary plans, helping reduce the overall cost of college, technical training or other educational programs. Scholarships come from colleges, community organizations, employers, foundations and national programs, and most awards do not need to be repaid. Because scholarships vary widely in eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadlines, students are encouraged to begin exploring opportunities early and stay organized throughout their senior year.

Many scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, service, special talents or specific areas of study. Others are need-based or connected to a student’s background, interests or future goals. Some scholarships require essays, recommendations or supplemental materials, while others only require a brief application. Our college and career team can help students identify scholarships that match their strengths and walk them through the steps needed to apply.

Deadlines are a critical part of the scholarship process. Local and regional scholarships often open in the fall or early winter and may have deadlines in late winter or spring. College-specific scholarships may have earlier deadlines, sometimes tied to a school’s admissions application. Students are encouraged to check timelines carefully, gather materials ahead of time and submit applications before the deadline whenever possible.